§ Rev. Ian Paisleyasked the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland (1) if he will make a statement on the future of the cement works at Maghera Mourne, Larne;
(2) if he will make a statement on the future supply of cement to Northern Ireland's building and construction trades.
§ Mr. MasonThe cement for the Northern Ireland construction industry is manufactured at the cement works at Magheramorne and Cookstown. This is augmented by imports as necessary. The Government's aim is to ensure that as far as possible the total cement needs of the Northern Ireland construction industry are met by manufacturing capacity located within the Province, making maximum use of local resources in materials and manpower.
Feasibility studies to determine how best to replace the output from the 50year-old cement works at Magheramorne by new manufacturing capacity in Northern Ireland are being carried out by the owners. Meanwhile, they have recently announced that they will shortly close down the two oldest kilns at Magheramorne but that the third kiln which was recently overhauled will continue to operate. I understand that the company will be in a position to make an announcement on its long-term proposals once the studies 607W currently being undertaken by it are completed.